Brum Bulletin: Your fav newsletter is here with a free drink inside!
The Brum Bulletin - your student news
In this issue...
We're back! Welcome (or Welcome back) to UoB! Keep an eye on your email, your MyUoB app and on socials to hear from us.
- We're celebrating Black History Month with you.
- Read three student journeys through UoB.
- A message from our Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell.
- Have an idea to improve your community? Get funding from up to £2,000.
- Collect points with Food Fellows and win prizes.
- Win with Cadbury World and Birmingham Hippodrome!
News
It's Black History Month
This is a time to recognise and celebrate the cultures and histories of our Black communities.
We’d like you to celebrate with us. Whether it’s in the form of a blog, or a short video (TikTok, Instagram reel, YouTube video), we want to showcase your cultural background. Pitch your idea to studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk and if your idea is selected, you'll receive a £15 Amazon voucher as well as be featured on our channels. More on Black History Month.
UoB changed my life
As an international student, making the decision to study abroad can be exciting yet scary. Student Lalitha from India reflects on her move to Brum and her university experience so far. Read Lalitha's blog.
Staying motivated
Starting uni can be an overwhelming time. From mastering time-management to joining a society, international undergraduate Mariyam shares how she kept herself motivated in her first year. Hear from Mariyam.
Being a Researcher
Student Content Shaper and Postgraduate Researcher Katrina started her PhD in 2019. In this blog, she shares her honest reflection on what her research journey has been like so far. Katrina's story.
A message from the Vice-Chancellor
"I hope you had an enjoyable summer and, whether you are joining us for the first time or returning to a new year of study, are looking forward to the new academic year...". Continue reading message.
Collect points and win prizes
The University’s food and drink team, Food Fellows, has launched a brand-new app – and to celebrate, you have the chance to win an Apple Watch, £50 Nando’s vouchers, and £10 off your next food and drink purchase on campus. All you need to do is to download the Food Fellows app and collect 50 points by 22 November. More on the competition.
Make your idea a reality with £2,000
The Alumni Impact Fund allows you to deliver creative, impactful and exciting projects that benefit other students. Your idea could be anything from an event to a workshop, show, exhibition or tournament. You can apply as an individual, student society or sports club. Apply before Monday 28 October. Find out more.
PG Corner
Welcome to the latest updates from the University Graduate School (UGS) specifically for Postgraduate students.
Coming Soon: PGT Hub
Postgraduate Taught Students (PGT) have year-round access to The PGT Hub on Canvas, a one-stop-shop for information on the services you might need, including Careers Network, wellbeing support, Library Services and more. All PGT students will be automatically enrolled.
PGR ‘Welcome to Westmere’ Social
Thursday 3 October, 15:00-17:00
Westmere House
Settle into the new year with your postgraduate research (PGR) community. Book your place.
PGR Public Engagement Training
The Public and Cultural Engagement team support PGRs in developing meaningful engagement activity with diverse public audiences. See their dedicated pages for Public and Community Engagement Training, Awards for Public and Community Engagement, and annual PACE day.
Become a Postgraduate Ambassador
Apply to be a Postgraduate Student Ambassador or Content Creator. Earn money alongside your degree and gain professional skills attractive to many employers. Applications close on 13 October.
What your ID card can do for you
Not only does your ID card give you access to the buildings on our beautiful campus, but it also allows you to take out library books, visit Winterbourne for free and more... Watch video.
Sustainability at UoB
We’ve been busy developing sustainability at UoB, and this year there's multiple ways you can get involved.
Our diary picks
Plant sale
Monday 7 October, 10:00-19:00
Staff House/University Centre plaza
Come and browse the huge range of plants, pots and accessories, and pick out something to help brighten up your living space. Help reduce plastic waste by bringing your own bag.
Lapworth Museum tour
Monday 7 October, 12:00-13:00
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Dumbfounded by dinosaurs, confused about clastics, puzzled by pyrite? Join us on a free tour of the Museum and get the chance to see behind the scenes. First come, first served.
Bike Safety Week
Monday 7 - Friday 11 October, 12:00-16:00
Various locations
Visit one of our pop-up stalls on campus to grab a free D-lock. More on Bike Safety Week.
Careers Fair
Wednesday 9 October, 11:00-15:00
Aston Webb Great Hall
Whether you're mapping out your career or exploring your options, Careers Fairs are a great space to discover industries, connect with potential employers, and learn about their work experience opportunities.
Main Library lightning tours
Daily slots available until Friday 11 October, 10:00, 13:00, 15:00
Main Library
Whether you’re a new or returning student, our 15 minute tours will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of the library during your studies.
Go Global Fair
Friday 18 October, 10:00-16:00
Great Hall, Aston Webb
Interested in completing a global experience during your degree? Visit our fair to find out about different opportunities to study, research, work, or volunteer abroad. Head over to the website for more information.
Visit our What's On page for the latest student events.
Birmingham Comedy Festival 2024
Running from Friday 4 - Sunday 13 October, the Birmingham Comedy Festival features some of the biggest names in contemporary stand-up comedy and the very best acts from Brum and the West Midlands. More on the event.
Win a sweet day out to Cadbury World
Two students can win a pair of tickets to Brum's iconic Cadbury World. Learn how your fave confectionery is made, enjoy the 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema and the new Cadbury Chocolate Quest ride! Enter now.
Explore a whole new world with Aladdin
One lucky student can win a pair of tickers to the Birmingham Hippodrome's showing of Aladdin, running from from 9 October – Sunday 3 November! I'm feeling lucky.
And finally
Student Art Pass – a year of art and paid opportunities for £10
A Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget with free entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK, and 50% off major exhibitions. Plus, you’ll gain access to paid arts opportunities and grow your network by joining the #WeAreArtful community. Get your pass for £10 a year.
Write your own blog
With Yom Kippur coming up on the evening of Friday 11 – Saturday 12 October, we're looking for a student to write a personal blog commemorating this holy day and its significance. If you're interested, please contact studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk. If published, your blog will be featured on the student intranet and you'll get a £15 Amazon voucher for your time. if you have an idea for other blogs, please also contact us.
The Selly Express is back!
The bus runs from Monday - Friday during term time, and collects students from 19:00-00:00, close to the main Library, behind Spar (on the corner of Westgate and Ring Road). You don’t need to buy a ticket, just show up with your student ID and tell the driver exactly where you’d like to be dropped off along the route. More on the Selly Express.
Academic Skills playlist
From what to expect in seminars or labs, to transitioning to your second or third year, to notetaking and referencing, the 'Studying at University 24-25 YouTube playlist' from the Academic Skills Centre has all the tips you need.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.